Physiotherapy, sometimes referred to as physical therapy in some countries and regions, is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals restore movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for their patients through various treatment modalities and interventions.
The Profession
Physiotherapists are trained healthcare professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to elderly individuals seeking to maintain mobility and independence.
What Physiotherapists Do at eMed
At eMed, our Physiotherapists operate on a virtual first approach, in the form of a video consultation. Our Physiotherapists specialize in the musculoskeletal assessment diagnosis, treatment and management for muscle and joint related pain. Based on the assessment, we develop personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving overall function, through advice, education and bespoke exercise programmes using our in house exercise platform.
If we feel that a face to face Physiotherapy appointment is required, we can offer this to a number of our patient cohorts in our London based clinics.
Read more: What is MSK Physiotherapy?
Benefits of Physiotherapy
The benefits of physiotherapy are vast and encompass various aspects of physical and mental well-being. Some key benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Improved mobility and flexibility
- Enhanced strength and endurance
- Prevention of future injuries
- Improved balance and coordination
- Enhanced overall quality of life
Jargon Buster
Physiotherapy terminology can sometimes be confusing. Here are a few common terms explained:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques performed by physiotherapists to mobilize joints, manipulate soft tissues, and alleviate pain.
- Electrotherapy: The use of electrical stimulation to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve muscle function.
- Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercise programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall function based on individual needs and goals.
Myth Buster
One common misconception about physiotherapy is that it's only beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from surgery. In reality, physiotherapy can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels, from children to older adults managing chronic conditions.
Read more: What is Frozen Shoulder Physiotherapy and How it Works?
Treatment Modalities
Physiotherapists employ a wide range of treatment modalities to address various conditions and injuries. At eMed, we focus on the following modalities:
- Bespoke and tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and tolerance to activity, using our in house exercise programming platform
- Advice, education and self-management strategies
- Postural education and ergonomic advice
Physiotherapy vs Osteopathy and Chiropractors
While physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors all work with musculoskeletal conditions, there are some differences in their approaches and philosophies. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and function through evidence-based practice, utilizing exercise therapy, advice, education (and sometimes manual therapy). Physiotherapy is widely recognised as the gold standard in the conservative management of muscle and joint related pain.
Osteopathy utilizes a hands-on approach, encompassing manual therapy techniques and manipulation, whilst chiropractic care primarily focuses on spinal manipulation to alleviate pain.
Both chiropractic care and osteopathy are considered “Complementary and alternative medicine”, which falls outside of mainstream healthcare. This is due to the manual therapy approach in treating musculoskeletal symptoms, which has a weak evidence base on the effectiveness in improving symptoms and function through this intervention.
Book Physiotherapy Now
Physiotherapy is a dynamic profession that offers a wide range of benefits for individuals seeking to improve their physical health and well-being. Physiotherapists play a vital role in helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and optimize their overall function and quality of life. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to enhance your physical performance, physiotherapy can offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs and goals.
References:
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy CSP
- NHS Complementary and alternative medicine NHS
- National Physiotherapy Advisory Group. (2012). Physiotherapy - a guide to our professional identity. Retrieved from https://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/APAWCM/Physio_and_You/Physiotherapy/APAWCM/Physio_and_You/Physiotherapy.aspx?hkey=2e31b895-0eb3-435d-b0b5-57b4bfb01f46
- World Confederation for Physical Therapy. (n.d.). What is physiotherapy? Retrieved from https://www.wcpt.org/what-is-physiotherapy
